Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has called out his former club ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Old Trafford, saying the Red Devils did not show him enough respect.
Ronaldo, 38, made an excellent start to his second season at United, finishing as top scorer in manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s final season at United. However, things changed for Ronaldo last summer when Erik ten Hag was appointed as Manchester United manager.
Before ending his Manchester United career, Ronaldo battled to keep his place in Ten Haag’s starting line-up in an explosive interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan. “I don’t think [Cristiano Ronaldo’s return] was a mistake because he scored a lot of goals in his first season,” Berbatov told Goal.com.
“I think this story is about a misunderstanding, a miscommunication and a lack of respect on both sides. “If you have a personality like Ronaldo, the living legend of football, you have to respect him.”
“You always have to talk to him,” Berbatov said. “If he doesn’t play, you have to talk to him and explain why you don’t let him play. He must feel special because he is special.
“Those players have that status in football and you have to know that if you don’t show it, that’s what will happen.”
Ronaldo is currently playing in Al-Nassr in the Saudi Arabia Pro League.
